Engineering Trade Practice

CNS Engineering 19_014.jpg
CONTACT TRADE PRACTICE COORDINATOR
Tradespeople bring invaluable hands-on experience to engineering. CQU’s new Engineering Trade Practice majors respond to industry demand for engineers who combine technical expertise with practical project delivery, by integrating accredited TAFE training into undergraduate engineering courses.

If you’re a qualified Tradesperson ready to expand your career into engineering, or a new or current student looking to build trade skills alongside your degree, our flexible options make it possible.

Your Course Options

CQU offers three engineering degrees that incorporate Trade Practice electives across the disciplines of Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Resources Engineering.

CC02 - Associate Degree of Engineering

Study the Associate Degree of Engineering and develop the skills and qualifications needed to become an engineering associate. 

CG21 - Bachelor of Engineering Technology

This course prepares you to pursue various challenging career options across multiple industries and government sectors. Choose from a range of majors to tailor your career.

CC31 - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Prepare for a diverse career with possibilities to work as a professional Engineer across various industries, locally, nationally and internationally. Choose from a variety of majors to meet your career goals. 

How Trade Practice Works

The Trade Practice majors contain electives that are designed to recognise the knowledge and experience gained from your trade qualification.

If you've completed an eligible qualification you may receive credit for these electives, which could reduce the duration of your degree.

Engineering MajorEligible TAFE Qualifications
Civil

Certificate II, III, IV or higher in:

  • Building
  • Construction
  • Drainage
  • Engineering Drafting
  • Engineering Pathways
  • Engineering - Technical
  • Plumbing
  • Project Management Practice
  • Surveying
  • Waste Management or related fields.
Electrical

Certificate II, III, IV or higher in:

  • Automotive Electrical
  • Autonomous Technology
  • Communication Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • Electrotechnology
  • Electronics
  • Engineering Drafting
  • Engineering Pathways
  • Engineering - Technical
  • Power Generation
  • Project Management Practice
  • Instrumentation
  • Renewable Energy or related fields.
Mechanical

Certificate II, III, IV or higher in:

  • Automotive
  • Autonomous Technology
  • Engineering Drafting
  • Engineering Pathways
  • Engineering - Technical
  • Fabrication
  • Manufacturing
  • Mobile Plant
  • Production Refrigeration
  • Project Management Practice
  • Renewable Energy
  • Toolmaking or related fields.
Resource Systems

Certificate II, III, IV or higher in:

  • Drilling
  • Engineering Drafting
  • Engineering Pathways
  • Engineering - Technical
  • Operations
  • Project Management Practice
  • Resource Processing
  • Surface Extraction
  • Underground
  • Ventilation or related fields.

If your TAFE training aligns with CQU's eligible qualifications, you could receive credit for the Trade Practice electives - potentially reducing the duration of your engineering degree. 

TAFE QualificationElective UnitsCourse Availability
Certificate IIENAG11010 Trade Practice 1

CC02 Associate Degree of Engineering

CG21 Bachelor of Engineering Technology

CC31 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Certificate IIIENAG11010 Trade Practice 1 and ENAG11011 Trade Practice 2CC31 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

If you have completed a Certificate IV or higher in an eligible qualification, you may qualify for additional credit through RPL. Our Trade Practice Coordinator and Academic Pathways Team will assess your eligibility.

How To Apply

If you have completed an eligible TAFE Qualification and want to transition into a CQU undergraduate engineering degree, follow these steps:

  1. Confirm your TAFE qualification appears on the Eligible TAFE Qualifications list above.
  2. Apply for your chosen undergraduate engineering degree. 

  3. Submit the Trade Practice Portfolio to the Trade Practice Coordinator.

    The Trade Practice Portfolio is a critical self-review and reflection that demonstrates the key learning outcomes from your TAFE training. The Portfolio is assessed to determine the credits you are eligible for, and assessment may take up to two weeks. 

For a copy of the Trade Practice Portfolio or if you have any questions, please contact the Trade Practice Coordinator.

If you want to combine a TAFE Qualification with an undergraduate engineering degree, follow these steps:

  1. Apply for your chosen undergraduate engineering degree. 

  2. Choose and apply for a TAFE course that aligns with CQU's list of eligible qualifications. 

    You can complete your TAFE course at CQU or any Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Explore CQU TAFE options.

  3. Once you've completed your TAFE course, you must submit a Trade Practice Portfolio to the Trade Practice Coordinator. 

    The Trade Practice Portfolio is a critical self-review and reflection that demonstrates the key learning outcomes from your TAFE training. The Portfolio is assessed to determine the credits you are eligible for. It must be submitted prior to the start of your final term of study assessment may take up to two weeks. 

For a copy of the Trade Practice Portfolio or if you have any questions, please contact the Trade Practice Coordinator.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can study the TAFE training component at any Registered Training Organisation (RTO), including CQUniversity. 

Find the right course for you using the information in the Eligible TAFE Qualifications list.

Explore CQU TAFE options.

You can search the National Training Register to see if your course is delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This site lists all approved providers of nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) in Australia. 

You will need to apply separately for your chosen TAFE course with CQU or through another Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Some TAFE modules have similar learning outcomes and can apply to other engineering disciplines. It may be possible to receive credit, even if your Trade is in an alternative discipline. Please contact the Trade Practice Coordinator to discuss your options.

The amount of credit points received depends on your TAFE experience. You may be eligible for: 

  • 12 credits for Trade Practice 1
  • 24 credits for Trade Practice 1 and 2
  • Up to 66% credit for Trade Practice 1 and 2, combined with Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) from additional TAFE training and trade experience.

Engineering courses - credit structure:

CourseCredits
CC02 Associate Degree of Engineering96 (three years accelerated part-time)
CG21 Bachelor of Engineering Technology 144 (three years full time)
CC31 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)196 (four years full time)

The cost of your TAFE training is not included in your engineering higher education course, however, any credit earnt from TAFE may reduce the cost of your course through credits received.

We suggest studying your TAFE and higher education courses together to get the most out of the practical learning. CQU's Term 3 (November to February) is an ideal time to progress your TAFE qualification.

You can also start TAFE training at high school or before studying at CQU.

Completion of the Trade Practice Portfolio is compulsory. It is a critical self-review and reflection that demonstrates the key learning outcomes from your TAFE learning. 

The portfolio is assessed by CQU's Trade Practice Coordinator and will determine if credits are received for the Trade Practice units.

Explore Engineering Disciplines

Civil Engineering

Choose from courses offering a major in Civil Engineering and enjoy a successful career designing and building critical infrastructure.

Electrical Engineering

Select from a range of courses that offer a major in Electrical Engineering and prepare for a rewarding career in the energy sector.

Mechanical Engineering

Choose from a range of degrees offering majors in Mechanical Engineering and learn through a mix of theory and practical experiences.

Resource Systems Engineering

Explore our range of Resource Systems Engineering courses designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in the mining industry.